Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Practice-Based Clinical Trials: Results of a Survey among German Primary Care Physicians

Objective: Clinical trials are regarded as complex due to the high demands on quality and patient safety and are still exceptional in German primary care. To optimise future trial planning, this study aimed at investigating the barriers and enablers experienced by primary care physicians (PCPs) for trial participation. Methods: PCPs were surveyed on 11 regional primary care medical education (CME) events using a standardised questionnaire. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors for future trial participation. Results: Of 804 invited PCPs, 408 (50.7%) participated in the survey (51 +/- 9 years, female 35%). 69% of participants could imagine their participation in a clinical trial. Of 12 potential factors assessed, the final model retained the 2 predictors (OR; CI; P-value) "research questions relevant to practice" (2.25; 1.61-3.14;<0.001) and "new challenges/change from everyday life" (2.24; 1.67-2.97; < 0.001). While 58% of participants were principally willing to participate in investigator training courses according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), only 6% had participated in such training at the time of answering. Short events were preferred. Only 7% were willing to take over at least half of the costs of these courses. Conclusion: To enhance German PCPs motivation to participate in clinical trials, both trials and training courses should be tailored to the needs in the primary care setting.